Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Overview

The aim of the curriculum at Rye Hills is to give all students the right mixture of knowledge, skills and experiences that they need to be confident, successful learners both now and throughout their future lives. The curriculum is designed to respond to the needs of our students and to give a degree of personalisation supported by careful guidance.

In order to meet the needs of all our students, in particular those with special educational needs and or disabilities, separate groups are created. These can be in any year group when we feel that our students need this specialised support. The groups follow a differentiated curriculum and are supported by highly skilled staff. The aims are the same as for all students but brought about in a more targeted and nurturing way.

The basis for Rye Hills’ curriculum is a structure of 1 hour lessons arranged in a two week timetable where subjects are taught in discrete lessons.

In addition to timetabled lessons there is a programme of PSHE, Citizenship and Careers Education Information and Guidance (CEIAG) that is delivered through a range of different sessions. These include: drop down mornings where the normal timetable is suspended, special events throughout the year, tutorial time and college and year group assemblies. The aim of these sessions is to make our students aware of information beyond the normal curriculum and to help mould them into understanding, responsible, caring and knowledgeable citizens. SMSC is embedded into the curriculum and school life. We strive to give students every opportunity to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural experiences at every opportunity (this can be seen on the website).

Key Stage 3 Organisation

In Year 7 the year group is split into 2 halves (French and Spanish). English, maths, science, history, geography, religious education (RE), modern foreign languages, design and technology (DT), computer science (CS), art, drama and music are taught in ability groups within each half. PE is taught in mixed ability groups.

Below is a table which shows the allocation of time for subjects in Year 7.

Year 7 Allocation

Subject

En

Ma

Sc

DT

PE

RE

Ge

Hi

MFL

Ar

Mu

Dr

Cs

Number of Lessons

8

8

6

4

5

1

3

3

4

2

2

2

2

In Year 8 the year group is split into 2 halves (French and Spanish). English, maths, science, history, geography, religious education (RE), modern foreign languages, design and technology (DT), computer science (CS), art, drama and music are taught in ability groups within each half. PE is taught in mixed ability groups.

Below is a table which shows the allocation of time for subjects in Year 8.

Year 8 Allocation

Subject

En

Ma

Sc

DT

PE

RE

Ge

Hi

MFL

Ar

Mu

Dr

Cs

Number of Lessons

8

8

6

4

4

1

3

3

4

2

2

3

2

In Year 9 the year group is split into 2 halves (French and Spanish). English, maths, science, history, geography, religious education (RE), modern foreign languages, design and technology (DT), computer science (CS), art, drama and music are taught in ability groups within each half. PE is taught in mixed ability groups.

Below is a table which shows the allocation of time for subjects in Year 9.

Year 9 Allocation

Subject

En

Ma

Sc

DT

PE

RE

Ge

Hi

MFL

Ar

Mu

Dr

Cs

Number of Lessons

8

7

6

4

5

1

3

3

4

2

2

2

2

Key Stage 4 Organisation

Year 10

In Year 10 this year there are two different bands (R and H). All students study English Language or Literature (AQA), maths (AQA), science (Science A - Combined : Trilogy (AQA) or separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics (AQA)), PE (Edexcel) or OCR Nationals Sports Science Level 2 and RE (either Humanities Pathways with RE emphasis or Archbishop of York Award). They then choose three option subjects with guidance to ensure that they follow subjects appropriate to their needs and future educational and career pathways. We have small group provision to ensure that all students can take a humanity and at least one other option where the provision is tailored to their specific needs.

Government policy promotes the measure of ‘Progress 8’ which includes students studying a specific range of subjects (see grid below). Although we appreciate that this limits the choice available to students a little, we feel it necessary to make them on a level playing field with students of similar ability when they leave Rye Hills and move onto further and higher education. However, where we do not feel that this is appropriate for students we do offer them different routes dependent upon circumstance.

Government / DfE’s Measures

‘Progress 8’

Three slots that can be

taken up by further

qualifications from those we offer

All students - PE (5 lessons)

All students - RE (1 lesson)

All students - PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) (form time, assemblies, drop down period and across the curriculum)

GCSE English

Double weighted

GCSE Maths

Double weighted

GCSE Science

Double (2)

Triple (3)

GCSE

Geography,

History,

Spanish

or

French

English Baccalaureate

GCSE English

Double weighted

GCSE Maths

Double weighted

GCSE Science

Double (2)

Triple (3)

History

or

Geography

Spanish

or

French

N.B. Students can only take the MFL (French or Spanish) they have studied during Key Stage 3.

Below is a table which shows the allocation of time for subjects in Year 10.

Year 10 Allocation

Subject

En

Ma

Sc

PE

RE

Opt A

Opt B

Opt C

Number of Lessons

9

8

9

5

1

6

6

6

Year 11

In Year 11 there are currently two different bands (East and West). All students study English or English Language and Literature (AQA), maths (AQA), science Combined: Trilogy or separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics (AQA)), GCSE PE (Edexcel) or OCR Nationals Sports Science Level 2 and RE Entry Level (OCR) or Short Course (WJEC) or GCSE General Studies (AQA). They then study three option subjects.

Within school, students in Y11 are currently able to study options in:

Below is a table which shows the allocation of time for subjects in Year 11.

Year 11 Allocation

Subject

En

Ma

Sc

PE

RE

Opt A

Opt B

Opt C

Number of Lessons

8

9

9

5

1

6

6

6

The KS4 option pools are modified each year in response to the needs of the cohort and what we. Different options are available in the various bands to ensure courses are appropriate for those students. The options process begins in the spring term, with an assembly followed by a Year 9 options morning and an open evening for parents. Students receive a pathways booklet that explains how the KS4 curriculum s organised and gives detailed information on each course. Support and guidance from staff is available at the options evening and throughout the process within school.

Throughout Y11, when we feel necessary a student’s curriculum may be amended if we feel this is needed to help them achieve their best. This takes a number of forms dependent upon circumstances and the needs of each student.